Audi Q5 vs Mercedes GLC: which is better?
Take a look at our Audi Q5 vs. Mercedes GLC comparison to see which SUV suits your needs
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By Tia Harrison-North
Last updated: 12 May 2025
When it comes to premium mid-size SUVs, the Audi Q5 vs. Mercedes GLC are two that put up a fierce fight.
Both give us comfort, performance, and cutting-edge technology, making them popular choices on the new and used car markets.
Sam Sheehan, our motoring editor, says the Audi Q5 is a “distinctive-looking SUV with all the quality and attention to detail that the brand is famous for.”
As for the Merc GLC, he reckons it’s a “premium SUV that looks the part and brings the tech and driving appeal that families, commuters and professionals crave.”
We’ll cover styling, driving experience, tech, reliability, and practical features, to see which one stands out in our Audi Q5 vs. Mercedes GLC review below.
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Q5 vs GLC
Our guide will answer:
Which car has the better styling?
Is the Audi Q5 or Mercedes GLC better to drive?
Does the Audi Q5 or Mercedes GLC have better tech?
Is the Audi Q5 or Mercedes GLC more reliable?
What are the Audi Q5 vs. Mercedes GLC dimensions?
Audi Q5 vs Mercedes GLC: styling
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Both the Audi Q5 and the Mercedes GLC offer striking designs that reflect their respective brands' luxurious reputations.
The Audi Q5 brings sharp lines and a bold front grille, giving it a confident and modern look.
Meanwhile, the Mercedes GLC prefers a sophisticated, sleek, and fluid design, which is obvious when you look at its smooth curves and elegant proportions.
If you prefer a sportier, more aggressive SUV, the Audi Q5 might appeal to you. On the other hand, the Mercedes GLC offers a more classic, timeless look.
Audi Q5 vs Mercedes GLC: what are they like to drive?
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In terms of driving experience, there's no denying that the Audi Q5 and Mercedes GLC offer both comfort and performance. Though, each car takes a different approach.
The Audi Q5 delivers a refined ride with responsive handling, making it a great option for those who enjoy a dynamic drive.
There’s currently only one petrol Audi Q5 engine outside of the SQ5 models, and that’s a 2.0-litre set-up with 204hp. There’s a matching 2.0-litre diesel that has the same amount of power.
On the other hand, the Mercedes GLC focuses more on providing a smooth and cushioned experience, ideal for long drives and urban cruising.
The 2.0-litre petrol engine in the Mercedes is more powerful, offering 258hp, but if you prefer diesel power there are 197hp and 269hp diesel options. There’s also some mild hybrid engine tech to help boost efficiency.
Audi Q5 vs Mercedes GLC: interior and technology
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Typical of the brands, both the Audi Q5 and the Mercedes GLC offer premium cabins with high-quality materials and advanced tech.
The Audi Q5 brings us a dashboard of screens – made up of a digital cockpit and infotainment system that stretches along one curved display.
The Mercedes GLC, on the other hand, showcases the brand's MBUX system, which includes a voice-activated interface and a large touchscreen display.
We love both set-ups, but if tech and user-friendly interfaces are important to you - the Mercedes GLC’s MBUX system might have the edge.
Audi Q5 vs Mercedes GLC: boot space and practicality
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The Audi Q5 provides a large boot, making it ideal for family trips or carrying large loads. Officially, you get 550 litres of space from the 2023 model, but you can maximise space by pushing forward the reclining rear seats.
The Mercedes GLC has a considerably larger boot at 620 litres, though the plug-in hybrid version gets a smaller 470-litre space to make room for the extra batteries.
If boot space is your top priority, the Mercedes GLC may be the better choice, but the Audi Q5 offers an overall practical design for everyday use.
Audi Q5 vs Mercedes GLC: safety and reliability
The Audi Q5 comes kitted out with loads of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and a range of driver-assistance systems.
Not one to be left out, the Mercedes GLC also offers advanced safety technology, including active brake assist and a pre-collision system.
They both have a matching five-star Euro NCAP safety rating, though the Audi’s has now expired.
Both vehicles score highly in reliability if you check the forums and reports, though Audi’s reliability rep is slightly more renowned.
That said, we can’t argue that Mercedes offers excellent long-term reliability as well, making both cars a solid choice.
Audi Q5 vs Mercedes GLC: dimensions
Audi Q5 (2023)
Length: 4,682mm
Width: 1,893 mm
Height: 1,662 mm
Boot space: 550 litres
Mercedes GLC (2024)
Length: 4,749 mm
Width: 1,920 mm
Height: 1,635 mm
Boot space: 620 litres
Verdict: Audi Q5 vs Mercedes GLC: which should you buy?
If there’s one thing we’ve learnt here, it’s that the Audi Q5 vs. Mercedes GLC battle is a tough one. There are two impressive SUVs for luxury lovers that need space.
You might prefer the Audi Q5 if:
You like sharp, aggressive design
Agile handling is your cup of tea
You don’t need the extra boot space
The Mercedes GLC might be for your if:
You like a lot of tech in your cabin
You’re sold on a sizeable boot
A sophisticated design is your weakness
Take a look at our full range of used Audi Q5 and used Mercedes GLC cars to find a great deal.